He puffed, heaving closer to Phoebe, who was naked in front of him like an open book. But as his fingers were about to touch her arm, a loud sound from behind him caused him to stop.The bartender, a man of considerable age with wrinkles on his face and a scowl on his lips was scrutinizing the pair. Marlin immediately pulled his hand back, managing to smile in a way that would suggest that everything was perfectly normal. “She has taken too much alcohol,” he said with a fake concern in his voice. “I will personally drop her at her home.”The bartender didn’t answer right away, but his gaze stayed on Marlin. It was the way he said it that made Marlin uneasy for a moment and he thought his plan would fail.But after a long time as if he had to force himself, the bartender gave a nod. “Just make sure she’s alright.” I didn’t want any trouble here.”Marlin nodded, pulling his arm around Phoebe’s slender waist, to assist her up. She moved a little but was beyond the point of realizing what
Phoebe sighed deeply to regain her composure and to try and clear her head. Each second of the previous night seemed to be a part of a puzzle that was trying to break away and not fit into place. Memories of the bar, Marlin and the sudden appearance of Christian went round her head but everything was rather blurry. The only thing she could remember was the feeling of betrayal.Marlin, she said to herself, her heart racing once more. She had given him her trust once, or at least thought he was not a threat. But last night, something had changed. The way he looked at her, touched her wasn't a concern. It was predatory.She came into her bathroom and washed her face in cold water, looking at herself in the mirror. What her reflection portrayed to the public was a woman who appeared to have been through a lot more than just a night of binge drinking. She looked pale with red rimmed eyes that were filled with worry. She put on a towel and attempted to regulate her breaths.Her phone rang o
I don’t know,” Christian said, raking a hand through his hair. “But it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you are protected now. “You have to concentrate on recovery and not think about the ‘why’ at the moment.”She slowly shook her head, as the implication of his statement sank in. Healing. It seemed like a strange concept, but one that was needed. “You’re right. I just wish I didn’t feel so lost.”Christian leaned forward and put his hand on top of hers which lay on the coffee table. “You’re not lost. You’re just steering through a storm. This is acceptable because vulnerability is normal and should be expected during the course of the therapy.His hand was warm and she felt her feet touching the ground at that moment. Thank you for being here Christian, I am glad to have you around. This is probably why I don’t think I could process everything alone.”“Then let me help,” he whispered. This is a very good time to say ‘we can go through this together’. I’ll be right by your side.”
Phoebe sighed, and she knew that there was some truth in the words that Sarah had said. Healing wasn’t going to happen instantly and challenging Marlin seemed dreadful but she was not alone. She had people Christian and Sarah by her side ready to help her through the confusion, betrayal and emotional roller coaster.Christian nodded firmly, getting up from the chair. “You can tell me something, I will just let you talk.” I will come back later to see you Phoebe. Do not feel that you are the only one like this, you are not the only one.”“Thank you,” she whispered as he got up, the air of relief coming over the room. She realized that Christian’s presence would always be the safety she needed, whether she still had mixed feelings about him or not.As soon as the door closed on Christian, Phoebe looked at Sarah, and managed a small, exhausted smile. “It was like I was in the middle of a movie and I don’t even know where to begin.”Sarah looked at her gently and with empathy. It’s good t
At the same time, in the poorly lit room of a remote structure, Marlin was at the desk, the only source of light on his face being the cursor on the computer monitor. His eyes were sharp, analytical, as he looked at the screen with blueprints and diagrams.This blast at Seth’s warehouse was just the start. This man had been setting up for this for months, plotting every single move, and waiting for the opportune moment to act. Seth had stripped him of everything he had worked so hard to build – the company, his family’s business, and of all things, Phoebe. But soon, Seth would pay for it all with his life.Marlin’s phone rang and he checked the text.“It’s done. The warehouse is gone. “He won’t see the next one coming.”A dark look appeared on Marlin’s face. The next stage of his plan was in progress. Before long, Seth would be a man whose existence was only known by others.“Have fun in your last days, Seth,” Marlin whispered to himself with an evil look in his eyes. “Because by the
Phoebe’s heart was pounding, her hands were wet and she was looking at the phone in her hand. Sarah tried to shake her out of her daze by taking her hand and holding it tightly. “Phoebe, focus. Christian needs to know everything. Marlin is clearly psychotic – this is no longer a business rivalry anymore. He’s out for blood.”Phoebe nodded, dialing Christian with a shivering hand, and then the phone was ringing in the quiet. She had no time to waste.“Christian,” she exclaimed the moment he said, “Yes, Marlin just called me.” He’she’s planning something big, something worse. He said that the explosion was only the first step.”Christian’s voice was clipped, “What did he actually say?”Phoebe passed the conversation, she was crying as she told Marlin’s threats, and the words he said to Seth, that he has everything to lose.“Oh no,” Christian muttered under his breath. “He’s becoming more dangerous than we anticipated he would.” We need to act now.”“Is Seth safe?” Phoebe asked, the anxi
She drew a little away from him, her gaze up to his face, and there was stubbornness in her glance. "I have to be. I’m not going to let you go in there to face Marlin by yourself. We’re in this together."Seth sighed, pulling the hair that had fallen on her face to the back with her hand. I don’t like this at all, but… I trust you."Phoebe felt her heart sink, but she didn’t mind his trust, she was scared for what they were about to come across. "We’ll get through it. We have to."At that moment, Christian came into the room with a look of a man who had a lot on his mind and little time to do anything about it. He had a folder in his hand, with papers Phoebe presumed were part of his strategy. He looked at Seth and Phoebe and fixing his gaze on them he waved them to take a seat.“Okay,” Christian said softly, “I will.” Since Marlin has kept silent after the explosion, he is preparing for the last move and that is what he is going to do. He believes he has time to plan and that is whe
Seth pulled her closer instantly and grabbed her arm softly but firmly. Phoebe, I said no, this is too dangerous. I can't let you do this. If something goes wrong, I am never going to forgive myself.”Phoebe looked at him right in the eye and she was determined. ‘And if we don’t do anything, Marlin will keep coming for you, Seth.’ He’ll never stop until he gets what he wants. I can’t just sit idly by and watch him bring ruin to all that we hold dear and the people we love.Seth looked at her, feeling the urge to shield her from everything and at the same time, realizing the position they are in. His voice softened. "You mean too much to me. I can't risk you like that."Phoebe, her eyes filled with tears, caressed his cheek. And you mean too much to me to let him take you away. We have to end this, Seth. I’ll be okay. We’ll all be okay."Christian who was watching the exchange said something in a very concerned tone. "We have to move fast. Marlin’s not going to sit around and do nothin